Director of the Public Works Department Mr. Jeremy Hodge has stated that the final diagnostic checks are being conducted before the department’s asphalt plant can become operational.

Mr. Hodge said in a recent interview said that the plant’s technician and members of his team are in the Territory ensuring that the checks are completed.

The Director thanked the entities including the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation and the Department of Information Technology for their assistance in setting up the asphalt plant and for ensuring that it was configured to be connected to the internet thereby ensuring that issues will be identified and rectified in the future.

Mr. Hodge said plans are underway to address the Territory’s roads in a holistic manner and reassured the public that his department will be able to respond to issues on the roadways in a more efficient manner. He added that all the Territory’s roads will be addressed when the asphalt plant is commissioned.

 “I know that there will be a lot of anxiety but we will get around to all those roads, including your community,” Mr. Hodge said, adding, “We are also in communication with some technicians overseas to work along with our technicians to share expertise on road paving and other techniques.”

The Director  also issued an invitation to persons who are about to complete their heavy equipment licence and those with an interest in learning about asphalt or its applications  to sign up with the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment and Development (RATED) Programme where they will receive the necessary training when another team of technicians arrive in the Territory.

Mr. Hodge’s full interview can be viewed on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page @BVIGovernment.

The Department of Public Works continues to provide a safe, practical, efficient, economically and environmentally sound infrastructure that is well designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with recognised regional and international codes and standards and is in harmony with the Territory's social and economic goals.

Photo 1: Official photo of Director of the Public Works Department Mr. Jeremy Hodge

Photo 2: Photo of the Asphalt Plant

(Photo credit: GIS/ P. Bridgewater)